Module 6 Blog Assessing Collaborative Efforts

This is the link to my video presentation on Learner Engagement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9T-iBYN9v0

Module Blog 5: Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

Here is the link to my Mind Map:
http://clee387.wikispaces.com/EDUC+7102

“The middle-of-the-road approaches allow learners to interact with the content” (Moller, 2008). I really do think I am in the middle of the static-dynamic continuum. I already use blogs, wikis, discussion boards and videocasts in furthering my education. In my classroom where I work, I also use Smartboards, digital cameras, podcasts and various software programs with my students.

As stated by Leslie Moller (2008),” The dynamic end of the interactivity continuum includes tools that involve learners on a much deeper cognitive level. ” I can begin to move toward the dynamic end by first learning more about the different kinds of technology that are constituted as being dynamic. I can also incorporate some of these technologies into my classroom with my own students. Consistently using them will make it more easier to manage and teach to the kids.


Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].

Module 4 Continued

These are some interesting blogs about engaging learners online that could be very helpful to instructors and students.

http://blogs.csuchico.edu/tlp/?cat=21

http://technologylearnervoice.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/engaging-adult-learners/

http://newlearningplaybook.com/blog/turning-online-learners-into-engaged-learners/

Module 4 Engaging Learners - Assignments

Here is the link to my graphic organizer

http://clee387.wikispaces.com/EDUC+7102

As shown by the chart, I have chosen five technology tools that can be used in the online classroom setting to reiterate the ideas of content, collaboration and communication. They are podcasting, video conferencing, wikis, blogs and discussion lists or bulletin boards. The use of these tools tend to increase knowledge and ideas, actively engage the student in learning, creates a social atmosphere for students, and wonderful tools for group work like cooperative laerning and problem based learning. Use of the podcasting and videoconferencing would take some training but it would be beneficial to the students because its another method of teaching. They also provide the opportunity to meet different students learning styles. Wikis, blogs and discussion lists or bulletin boards would be more easily to integrate. Most wikis and blogs are free and very user friendly.

Module 3: Assessing Collaborative Efforts

I think that participation in a collaborative learning community should be assessed through various methods, like group projects, communication logs and discussion groups and providing feedback. Regardless of the amount of skills and knowledge that an individual brings to the course, an instructor should rate learning by actual completion of assignments and work in order be fair.

As stated by Palloff and Pratt (2007), “The most powerful experiences are those in which interaction occurs throughout the group instead of between one participant and the facilitator within group setting.” If a student does not want to network or collaborate in a learning community for an online course there are many things that can be done. In doing so you want to be fair to that person and the members of the learning community also. To begin with, all learning communities should have a team charter. This charter is like the bylaws of the community and should be agreed upon by each member. The first thing that should be done is the member should be reminded of the expectations that were agreed upon in the beginning when the learning community was established. If this does not work, other members have to combine together to do assignments, then it should taken up with the instructor. Whatever consequences are set up by the instructor should be carried out.

References

Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building online learning communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Module 3: Video Presentation Storyboard

Here is the link to my storyboard. I put it on my wikispace because it would not upload documents here. It is still a work in progress and I will update later this week. Let me know what you think so far. Thanks!!!!

Lee Storyboard

Module 2 Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

After viewing the video with George Siemens, I tend to agree with him in the importance of global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction being the three important elements in the growing acceptance of distance education. These three elements are like the beginning points when constructing an online community.

Communication is defined as “The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior” (Yahoo Education, 2009). There are many other forms of the communication today that are different from traditional communication methods like the telephone, mail and face-to-face conversation. It all began with the introduction of the computer and the Internet. Today to increase interaction among learners, there are many online tools that can be used to communicate. Some of these online tools include email, chat, bulletin boards, discussion/news groups, and list servs, instant messenger, videoconferencing, webcams, blogs, and wikis just to name a few. Use of these different communication tools engages learners actively and can increase the success of online learning.

Yahoo Education.(2009). Communication. Retrieved September 20, 2009 at http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/communication

Module 1 The Next Generation of Distance Education

There are a number of reasons I believe these authors believe there is a need to evolve distance education to the next generation. I tend to agree because the world is changing with the vast increase of technology and its use. Moller, Foshay, Coleman and Simonson are clear in their arguments. E-learning should have a more sound effect and be flexible to meet the needs of the learner.

Distance education makes getting a degree more accessible for some because of differences in lifestyles and learning skills. Student performance, assessments, interactive activities should all be taken into consideration when building online communities. Making a clear connection with the learner is also important in any educational setting. Distance learning organizers have to keep all of this in mine with promoting online programs.


Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008, September). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(5), 63-67. Retrieved September 12, 2009 Academic Search Premier database.

Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. Retrieved September 12, 2009 from Academic Search Premier database.

Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(4), 66-70. Retrieved September 12, 2009 from Acadeic Search Premeir database.

Simonson, M. (2000, Winter2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classrooms. New Directions for Teaching & Learning, Retrieved September 12, 2009 from Academic Search Premier database.

HELLO

Hello, I am using this site to create and post items during my Education Specialist Degree Program. I will also be posting information that will assist others with the use of technology in their classrooms. ENJOY!!!!